When the Dave Matthews Band returns to the road on May 18, they'll be playing without longtime member Boyd Tinsley — the latest change in a decade that's also seen the death of saxophonist LeRoi Moore.

For Matthews, the upcoming tour represents a step further into uncharted territory for the famously freewheeling group, and he admits to mixed emotions about moving on without another bandmate.

"I have a deep love for Boyd," Matthews told Vulture regarding Tinsley, who announced earlier this year that in order to "focus on my family and my health for a while," he'd be sitting out this tour. "He has to deal with his stuff. In many ways I’m sure it would’ve been a lot easier for him to just say, 'I’m good. Let’s go play.' But you can’t just throw yourself away, your wellness away, because you play violin in a band. It doesn’t make any sense to do that."

Still, Tinsley's absence means at least a temporary end to Matthews "turning to my right and seeing him going bananas" during every show. Yet as disorienting as that might be, Matthews was also careful not to talk about a timeline for Tinsley's return.

"I can’t say 'I can’t wait till he comes back,' because I don’t know what’s going to happen. But right now being away is better for him. Nobody is happy about this situation. Except that we’re happy he can figure some stuff out," added Matthews. "I hope he does. But I’m going to miss having that whirling-dervish Adonis-Muppet over there on my right. I know the audience is too. But we can’t serve that desire."

The Dave Matthews Band's ninth studio album, Come Tomorrow, is scheduled to arrive on June 8. Find a complete list of currently announced tour dates at their official site, and check out the new set's first single, "Samurai Cop (Oh Joy Begin)," below.